Roseburg review. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 1885-1920, 1887-05-13


before the facts in the case were ascertained
and l wish his many friends in Douglas
county and elsewhere to know the truth OF
the matter
Nest Respectfully Yours,
Jesse n. Banks.
Sometime since, Mr.. J. W. Carter OF this
place, who has been for the last year a stage
drive for Wm. Gail on the western route,
was arrested on complaint of one Mrs. Hague,
charging him with rape, committed upon her,
on the road between BLY, and Lakeview. The
only evidence adduced against him at the ex.
animation was that Of the complaining wit
ness. In his own behalf he submitted a
complete and full denial Of all her statements
The evidence Of many other parties called on
behalf OF the defense was strong and corobo
rated IN circumstantial way the testimony
OF the defendant, showing almost conclusiveIy
to disinterested hearer that the crime could
scarcely have been committed as charged.
The violent and unmanly act was committed
in sleigh, by man OF ordinary strength,
and upon person Of robust, agile, married
woman; and, one might add, Of very pleasing
address, at least she appeared SO to us as we
heard her unblushingly tell the story of her
alleged wrongs before hundred persons,
naming the crime adultry. Does any man be-
lieve that virtuous woman could tell the
tale she did with such stolid indifference to
modesty? Docs any man who heard her
story believe 1t TO be anything but a black.
mailing fction7 in fact, does any one who
heard the facts as she stated them believe in
the probability of such thing being physic-
ally possible1 Now the finale is her depart
ure to places unknown. She was not required
to give bonds for appearance before the grand
jury, though Carter's attorney asked it, and
hence this daughter Of Eve of virtue bereft II
has wrapped herself up and stolen away 10
green pastures. Yet, this matter got into
the newspapers and was scattered broadcast
| leading the pubic 10 believe Mr.. Carter a
william. He has borne good reputation as
10 morality, sobriety and virtue, is respected
| by the better class of our citizens, and since
his coming among lis has so demeaned him
sell as to gain the respect of this community.
lie is here IN his usual avocation awaiting his
vlndlcatlon, and where is the helpless and un
willing adulteress? These questions arise il
the minds of justice loving citizens, and the,
ask for solution. Was it 10 sustain the maj
esty of the law that compelled her to cause
the arrest oi Carter9 She failed to distinguish
the difference between rape and adultery
Was it her intention to elevate the morals O.
the community by coming into court with hel
manly detail and edifying the male communit,
by her rehearsal of the "naughty affair." Wa.
1t anything other than a shameful attempt al
black mail upon rerson Of unsuilied reputa
ton heretofore' 1t is high time that the peo
pie OF this vicinity learn 10 distinguish bctweer
the vile stratagcms of an adventures and th,
honest claims of virtuous woman, and for
sooth, Think 1t behooves our good people t,
handle such characters as stringently as th
law provides; and let me say further, belicv
speak the sentiments of Lakeview when
assert that MIR. Carter has been Shameful
wronged by giving him this undescrved noto
nety. CATERS defense by Mr.. Cogswell wa
able and should have dispcllcd all doubts c
guilt, since every item bearing on the cas-
was skilfully handled.
But then withal, he was held in bonds an
Is now left to mourn the absence of his prose
cutor. There ought to he some redress fo
such unwarranted injury; and yet l bcliev
that Lakeview can only thank God that tn
perpetrator Of this Outrage on Mr.. Carter ha
skipped out, and many Of us will ferventl
pray that she will not henceforth be a sui
jcct of our courts nor an object Of mistake
sympathy. CITIZEN.